Mike O'Callaghan is a Lecturer in Animation at Ulster University's Belfast School of Art, specializing in undergraduate and MA Animation courses. He holds a BA and MA in Computer Games Art, with extensive industry experience in 3D animation for television and games. Current Research Focus: Virtual Reality storytelling and surreal animation techniques Key Collaborations: EPSRC-funded projects on Virtual Production pipelines for theater His career includes significant contributions to multi-award-winning Disney TV series like 'Doc McStuffins' and 'Henry Hugglemonster', plus work on 'Octonauts' and 'Go Jetters' for BBC. In 2017, he founded Oaken Studios, a creative media studio specializing in 3D animation. Recent Research Outputs: 3 publications in 2024 related to Virtual Production technologies Scientific Contributions: Development of hybrid digital-physical theater production workflows
Jesper Simonsen is a Professor of Participatory Design at the Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark. He directs the Information Technology Ph.D. program and has over 30 years of experience in action research, focusing on user-centered IT design and organizational change, particularly in healthcare settings since 2004. Current research projects involve AI implementation in clinical diagnostics (CNN-based renal tumor classification), task reallocation in healthcare (e.g., medication management shifts to pharmacists), and effects-driven innovation in bio-production processes via AI. Collaborations include Region Zealand, Capital Region of Denmark, and international institutions. His research integrates participatory design, action research, and sociotechnical approaches to address challenges in healthcare IT, AI ethics, and organizational transformation. Recent work emphasizes explainable AI, post-implementation evaluation, and modular innovation frameworks. Notable projects include the Roskilde University Strategic Research Initiative ‘Designing Human Technologies’ (2012-2016) and leadership roles in the Participatory Design Conferences Advisory Board (2014-2019). Supervised PhD students include Daniel van Dijk Jacobsen, Christopher Gyldenkærne, and Christine Bech Flagstad.
Ronald M Peshock is a Professor of Radiology and Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), with a career spanning over four decades since completing medical school at UT Southwestern in 1976. His academic journey includes Internal Medicine training at Parkland Health & Hospital System (internship 1977, residency 1979) followed by a Cardiology fellowship (1982). Dr. Peshock's research focuses on cardiac imaging, particularly using MRI and CT technologies to assess cardiovascular risk and disease. His work heavily involves the Dallas Heart Study, examining left ventricular hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk factors across diverse populations. In recent years, he has become a prominent researcher in artificial intelligence applications for radiology, with numerous publications on AI implementation in clinical workflows, diagnostic accuracy improvement, and integration of AI into radiology training programs. His publication record shows consistent productivity from 1979 through 2025, with 218 total publications according to available records. Recent work demonstrates particular expertise in cardiac CT, pulmonary embolism imaging, and developing quantitative imaging biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. His Scopus profile indicates an h-index of 67 with 14,914 citations, reflecting significant scholarly impact in his fields. Dr. Peshock maintains active clinical and research affiliations with Parkland Health & Hospital System and serves as a key researcher in the Dallas Heart Study. His work examining ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy patterns, and aortic stiffness has contributed significantly to cardiovascular imaging literature.
Dr. George Fitzmaurice is a Research Fellow at Autodesk, leading the Human Computer Interaction and Visualization Research group. With over 120 publications and 95 patents, his work spans 25 years of innovation in interactive systems, focusing on technology-assisted learning , 3D visualization , and novel input techniques . His notable contributions include the Maya 1.0 UI and SketchBook Pro design, as well as pioneering Graspable UIs and Spatially-Aware Displays . Education : MIT (B.Sc. Math/CS), Brown (M.Sc. CS), Toronto (Ph.D. CS) His research explores immersive visualization and generative AI applications in design workflows, with recent work focusing on VR/AR tools like TimeTunnel for motion editing and WhatIF for AI-assisted narrative design. Current projects examine the intersection of large language models , 3D design systems , and collaborative environments . Key article themes include: Generative AI integration (3DALL-E, WorldSmith) Immersive motion analysis (AvatAR, VideoPoseVR) Creative workflow optimization (MoodCubes, Immersive Sampling) Privacy-aware VR systems (Vice VRsa) Scientific Recognition: 2019 - Inducted into ACM CHI Academy 2024 - Awarded ACM Fellow for computing contributions He has developed foundational interaction techniques like ViewCube™ and SteeringWheels™ , and his work continues to shape modern 3D UI paradigms and spatial computing approaches through projects like DreamSketch and Tesseract.
Daniel W Armstrong is a Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. With over 35 years of experience, he is a pioneering figure in chiral recognition, enantiomeric separations, and the biological relevance of D-amino acids. His work has led to over 740 publications, 35 patents, and 560 invited seminars worldwide. Developed first chiral recognition mechanism by cyclodextrins First to use macrocyclic antibiotics as chiral selectors Synthesized most new ionic liquids (ILs) globally Created ultra-fast separation techniques now standard in analytical chemistry Contributed to FDA 1992 guidelines on chiral drug separation His research focuses on chiral separations, ionic liquids, and the role of D-amino acids in biological systems. He has commercialized over 30 HPLC and GC columns, transforming analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis. Recent publications demonstrate continued innovation in chiral chromatography, biomarker analysis, and AI-driven separation optimization. His grants include industry collaborations with Merck, Alcon, and Sigma-Aldrich, emphasizing practical applications of his work. Scientific honors include multiple lifetime achievement awards, fellowships in the Royal Society of Chemistry and American Chemical Society, the Chirality Medal, and induction into the National Academy of Inventors. He has mentored over 100 PhD students, many from first-generation college backgrounds.
Dr. Andreas Rauschecker is a neuroradiologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in advanced imaging technologies (CT, MRI) for diagnosing nervous system disorders in adults and children. He employs AI and image-processing techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes. Fellowship in Neuroradiology, University of California San Francisco (2020) MD PhD in Neuroscience, Stanford University (2013) MSc in Neuroscience, Oxford University (2005) BS in Biology & Psychology, Georgetown University (2004) His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to neuroimaging, particularly for conditions like multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and developmental disorders. He investigates how AI can standardize myelination assessments, detect lesions, and reduce reliance on contrast agents in MRI. Recent publications highlight his work on automated lesion segmentation, transfer learning for MRI analysis, and large language models in radiology. Collaborative efforts include multi-institutional datasets for meningioma and glioma segmentation, emphasizing reproducibility and open science. UCSF Chen Scholar (2024-2026) UCSF Weill Award for Clinician-Scientists (2023) ASNR/ASfNR MIT-E Scholarship (2019) NVIDIA GPU Seed Grant (2018) RSNA Roentgen Fellow Research Award (2019) Rauschecker mentors trainees and collaborates on grants related to AI-driven radiology tools. His work bridges clinical practice and computational innovation, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technologies into standard neuroradiology workflows.
Virpi Roto is a Senior Lecturer at Aalto University's Department of Design (School of Arts, Design and Architecture). She specializes in Experience Design for business-to-business industries, focusing on transforming technology companies into experience providers through co-design and service design methodologies. Key research domains: Human-AI interaction, sustainable futures, and workplace experience design Collaboration hubs: Leads the Encore research group Global influence: Top-cited academic in UX research Her work explores the intersections between User Experience , Customer Experience , and Employee Experience , with a particular emphasis on automation maturity and sociomaterial approaches to transparency in remote teams. Recent publications highlight trends in Human-AI team dynamics and experience-driven industrial systems . She actively bridges Design Fiction with ethical awareness in co-design workshops and develops frameworks for measuring long-term UX. Virpi collaborates with researchers across Finland, Sweden, and international institutions, frequently co-authoring with experts like Philippe Palanque, Matthias Baldauf, and Wendy Ju.
Farzad Hashemi serves as an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture + Planning within The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), affiliated with the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. He leads the Climate-Sensitive Design Lab (CSDL), focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of urban climate science, building performance, and environmental justice. Education: Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University Dr. Hashemi's research investigates urban heat island phenomena, building energy dynamics, and socio-spatial inequities in thermal exposure. His work employs advanced simulation techniques including GIS, ENVI-met, CFD, and machine learning to analyze climate impacts across diverse urban contexts. Key contributions include examining historical redlining's legacy on contemporary heat distribution, developing parametric workflows for energy modeling, and creating data-driven mitigation strategies for urban heat. His approach integrates technical building science with critical social analysis to address climate vulnerabilities in marginalized communities. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on urban heat mitigation, building energy performance, and environmental justice across multiple U.S. cities. Recent work emphasizes adaptive cooling strategies through computational modeling and examines thermal inequities through spatial analysis of social vulnerability indices. The research bridges technical climate modeling with socio-political dimensions of urban heat exposure. Honors and Awards: The 2024 ARCC Dissertation Award As director of the Climate-Sensitive Design Lab, Dr. Hashemi develops research initiatives that combine environmental simulation with community-focused design solutions. The lab's work informs both academic discourse and practical urban planning applications, particularly regarding climate adaptation in rapidly growing Sun Belt cities like San Antonio. Current projects integrate tree canopy data, occupancy patterns, and future climate scenarios to create resilient urban environments.
Professor Sandy Brauer, Deputy Executive Dean at The University of Queensland's Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, aging, and balance disorders. Her work focuses on improving postural control, gait, and physical activity in stroke survivors and individuals with neurological conditions. Executive Leadership: Deputy Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences Research Center: Director of Centre for Neurorehabilitation, Ageing and Balance Research Her research addresses impaired postural control's devastating impacts, developing physiotherapy techniques and cost-effectiveness analyses for clinical translation. Current themes include: Post-stroke physical activity recovery Dual-task training for Parkinson's patients Community mobility challenges SMART Arm device for stroke rehabilitation Hospital fall prevention Professor Brauer's recent work explores digital health implementations, machine learning for rehabilitation outcomes, and sensory impairments in neurological populations. She actively supervises PhD candidates in movement science and biomechanics. Key affiliations include: Queensland University Technology collaborations Sonova AG research on hearing-loss balance issues NHMRC and ARC funded projects
Susan Vermeer, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Strategic Communication Group of Wageningen University & Research , specializing in political communication and digital media. Key Roles: Assistant Professor, Co-promotor for 2 PhD projects Research Focus: Social media in elections, political learning, computational communication, audience behavior Her work examines political communication through digital platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Recent studies include emotion recognition in political ads, television news exposure analysis, and Instagram Stories' impact on adolescent political learning . She contributes to computational communication science and data-driven campaign research. Current Projects Hunting for Voters: Investigates data-driven campaigning's effect on democracy Digital Political Communication: Analyzes platform-specific processing of political content Media Contributions include expert commentary on influencer election strategies , political discourse etiquette , and visual political messaging for Dutch media outlets.
Catherine Riffin is an Associate Professor of Psychology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College , focusing on enhancing healthcare systems for older adults and their caregivers. Her research bridges dementia care , palliative care , and consumer health information technology , emphasizing caregiver integration and equity in aging populations. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (Cornell University, 2015), M.A. in Psychology (Cornell University, 2012), B.A. in Psychology (Mount Holyoke College, 2008) Her research explores: Improving care coordination for dementia patients through structured interventions. Developing digital health tools to support caregivers and promote health equity . Addressing pain management challenges in older adults with cognitive impairments. Integrating palliative care into primary care settings for individuals with serious mental illnesses . Recent publications highlight her work on caregiver stress , clinical communication , and technology-driven solutions for aging populations. Her grants from the National Institute on Aging and Administration for Community Living underscore her commitment to translational research in aging and caregiving.
David Vock is a Professor at the University of Minnesota in the Division of Biostatistics & Health Data Science . His research focuses on statistical methods for electronic health data, causal inference, dynamic treatment regimes, and clinical trial design. PhD in Statistics, North Carolina State University (2012) MStat in Statistics, North Carolina State University (2009) BA in Mathematics and Chemistry, St. Olaf College (2007) His work integrates machine learning with traditional statistical approaches to analyze censored data in healthcare settings. He specializes in SMART clinical trials for adaptive interventions and semiparametric theory applications. Collaborative projects span transplantation , infectious disease , and cardiovascular research . Recent publications emphasize COVID-19 biomarker analysis , monoclonal antibody efficacy , and health data interoperability . These studies appear in high-impact journals like New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet Microbe . Scientific contributions have earned him membership in the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health . Collaborations include the ACTIV-3/TICO Study Group and interdisciplinary teams in data science and clinical research .
Sebastian Gottschalk is a researcher at Paderborn University, Germany, specializing in business model development within software ecosystems, virtual reality applications, and model-driven software engineering. His research focuses on creating situation-specific approaches to business model development, with particular emphasis on tool support, method composition, and knowledge provision. His research interests span business model innovation, virtual reality applications for education and collaboration, model-driven development, and end-user programming. He has made significant contributions to understanding how business models can be developed in context-aware ways within software ecosystems, with practical applications in tool development and method engineering. His publication record shows a clear progression from foundational work on business model development to innovative applications in virtual reality and gamification. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on practical implementations, particularly in educational contexts using VR technology to teach UML and software modeling concepts. Gottschalk has collaborated extensively with Gregor Engels (27 publications together), Enes Yigitbas (20 publications), and Alexander Nowosad (7 publications), indicating strong research partnerships that have driven much of his recent work in business model development and virtual reality applications.
Rolando Coto Solano is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at Dartmouth College , with an Adjunct Assistant Professor appointment in Computer Science and an Affiliate Professor role in the Quantitative Social Science Program (QSS) . He focuses on creating computational tools to document and revitalize Indigenous languages like Cook Islands Māori and Bribri. Education : PhD and MA in Linguistics from the University of Arizona; BA in Computer Science from the University of Costa Rica. Research Interests include: Natural Language Processing for Indigenous and Under-Resourced Languages Tonal Phonetics and Phonology, with a focus on tonal reduction Sociophonetics, particularly interisland variation in Cook Islands Māori Publication Trends show expertise in automatic speech recognition (ASR) for Indigenous languages, computational sociophonetics, tonal priming, and metadata standards in academic publishing. He collaborates on tools like Universal Dependencies treebanks and the ELPIS pipeline . Scientific Awards : Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s Degree) National Science Foundation (NSF) Consultant Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund Ship for World Youth Program (Office of the Prime Minister of Japan)
Dr. Tim Schwartz is an Associated Member at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) located at the Saarland Informatics Campus in Saarbrücken, Germany. He is affiliated with the Ubiquitous Media Technology Lab (UMTL) where he conducts research at the intersection of human-robot interaction, multimodal interfaces, and industrial applications. His work spans over two decades with significant contributions to the fields of robotics, augmented reality, and Industry 4.0 implementations. Dr. Schwartz's research interests focus primarily on Human-Robot Interaction , Multi-modal Interaction , and Industry 4.0 applications. His work explores how humans and robots can effectively collaborate in industrial settings, with particular attention to communication modalities, task division, and intuitive interfaces. Recent projects include human-robot collaboration in assembly cells, social cognitive robots for warehouse environments, and augmented reality applications for aircraft manufacturing. Analysis of his publication history reveals a clear trajectory from foundational work in multimodal interfaces and context-aware computing (2005-2015) toward increasingly applied research in industrial robotics and human-robot collaboration (2016-2024). His most recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on practical implementations in manufacturing and warehouse environments, with a particular focus on optimizing work dynamics between humans and robots. Dr. Schwartz actively engages in academic supervision, offering thesis opportunities such as the user-study on optimal work dynamics in human-robot collaboration at the Power4Production Hall in Saarbrücken. His collaborations extend to institutions including ZeMA (Zentrum für Mechatronik und Automatisierungstechnik gGmbH), indicating strong industry-academia partnerships. At DFKI, he works within a vibrant research community that includes numerous colleagues in the Ubiquitous Media Technology Lab, contributing to a collaborative environment focused on cutting-edge research in human-robot interaction, multimodal systems, and industrial applications of artificial intelligence.
